Take your precautions and don't fear osteoporosis

There is no such thing as old age anymore! By following the right lifestyle choices, engaging in sports activities, undergoing regular check-ups, and following your doctor's recommendations during your youth, you can enjoy aging gracefully while also protecting yourself against osteoporosis.As it is known, bone resorption (osteoporosis) is a systemic bone disease that occurs as a result of bone weakening and increasing fragility over time. But this is not just an old-age disease, it is actually a basic public health problem that needs to be taken care of throughout life. Therefore, it is extremely important to take precautions and provide protection before the occurrence of the disease. Orthopedic Specialist from Medistate Kavacık Hospital Asst. Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Tekkeşin states that the goal in preventing osteoporosis is to maximize and maintain bone mass and to reduce or slow down bone loss that may occur in later years. In our article, Dr. Tekkeşin also has important advice and warnings for you.u.

What Should We Do Until the Age of Growth Is Over?

Peak bone mass is the highest level of bone mass achieved during growth. Genetic variables, mechanical loading, nutrition, and hormonal factors that play a role during growth affect peak bone mass. We must optimize our bones until growth is complete. Bone tissue, which begins developing in the womb and continues to develop with age, must first and foremost be nourished properly. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the child's required calcium intake must be ensured, and the mother's bone metabolism must be maintained without deterioration. It is crucial that the calcium needed by both the mother and the child enters the body properly.

For example, it should be taken at an adequate level together with foods containing calcium, proper absorption (carbonated drinks, medications that reduce stomach acid, etc.) For this purpose, certain foods should be avoided, and the active vitamin D level (through sun exposure and dietary intake) should be brought to the desired level for the calcium consumed to be beneficial to the body. Our children require from us proper nutrition, sunlight exposure, and spaces where they can move freely in large areas. Remember that exercise and active games during childhood have a significant impact on bone development.

Growth is Over! what will we do now?

What we do during the period from the end of growth until the onset of aging is also extremely important. Yes, childhood is over and we have responsibilities. In our busy work and home lives, we forget what we need to do. We walk less and cannot exercise. We do things that harm our bones, such as eating irregularly, surviving on quick-fix, fatty meals instead of proper foods, then making mistakes to lose weight quickly due to subsequent weight problems, and taking the wrong medications, especially for bodybuilding purposes. Hormonal disorders can develop without us having any control over them. But we must take good care of our bodies. All of these, along with bad habits (tobacco products, alcohol, drugs), lead to a decrease in bone mass and we lose our reserves. It is very difficult to realize this at this age. However, time passes quickly. Young people are no longer with their parents. Their bodies are under their own control. The ability to keep our bodies healthy, which we will use throughout our lives, is largely within our own hands. Tomorrow, in our student and professional lives, we must not forget our bones, which are the primary support structure of our bodies. During this hectic period, our goal should be to pay attention to our nutrition, avoid processed foods as much as possible, find time to exercise even when tired, and get along with the sun.

Kadınlarda Menopoz Sonrası Yapılacaklar Neler?

There are some issues to be aware of in women after menopause and in both sexes with aging. If you have done everything correctly up to this point, do not fear osteoporosis. Because you grew up in a conscious family, applied what you learned during that period in your life, and achieved the highest level of retirement! With all your years of experience and knowledge, you won't make mistakes anymore. In your old age, you have no rush and don't have to rush to get things done. You have followed a balanced diet, exercised regularly, sunbathed properly, and made quitting bad habits a part of your life long ago. Now it's time to set an example for your grandchildren. Let's not forget, your grandchildren will one day compete to emulate what they see in you. The goal in preventing bone loss is to maximize and maintain bone mass and to reduce or slow down bone loss that may occur in later years.

Kaynakça:

• International Osteoporosis Foundation. Capture the Fracture – Global Campaign to Break the Fragility Fracture Cycle.

• National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis.

• Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Society. Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.

• Kanis JA et al. European guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International.